1. Simmons thinks that yoga can be a perfect fit for people of any and all religions. “Everyone can practice together and see the simplicity in the scripture and see how it runs parallel to and complements other scriptures,” he said. “I struggle with why, as humans, we insist on separating these different philosophies.”

2. As a strong believer in the yogic principle of ahimsa, which means “Do no harm,” Simmons is generally a peaceful soul. But when the defenseless are threatened, he will break character. “There is a point where you have to stand up and defend defenseless animals and defenseless people,” he said. “You can use your voice to cause less harm.”

3. In response to a question about managing the lifestyle contradiction between his incredible wealth and a yoga philosophy, Sharon Gannon remembered Simmons telling an interviewer: “Yeah, I’m rich, and I want to get richer because I want to help a lot of poor people.And if I’m one of them, I can’t help that.” Simmons is one of the few people I’d believe this about. —Lisa Elaine Held